Chapter One: The Pact of Shadows
In the depths of darkness, there was nothing but a suffocating silence, akin to the groans of the dead. The dungeon resembled an open grave, its walls weeping with moisture, and the ancient carvings covering them seemed like messages sent from an entity that should not exist. Faint blue flames flickered along the edges, but their warmth was nothing more than a lie.
Azar sat with his back against the wall, his body exhausted, yet his eyes gleamed with a calm defiance. He felt a strange sensation, a mix of fear and anger, but something else moved in the shadows around him. Something unnatural.
"You know, I expected my next host to be someone more exciting."
The voice was cold, biting, and emanated from a place it should not have existed. Azar froze, looking around, but there was no one to be seen.
"Don't look around. You won't find me. I'm here... inside you."
Azar's body trembled for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Who are you?" His voice was quiet, yet carried a clear challenge.
"I'm the one who will decide whether you live or die. You're just another pawn in a game much bigger than you."
The iron door of the dungeon screeched open slowly, breaking the heavy silence. A towering guard appeared, his skin covered with deep scars, a sinister smile etched on his face.
"Ah, you're awake at last, aren't you?" The guard said mockingly, stepping closer and pointing a finger at Azar. "The binding ritual is near. But don't worry, it won't last long. Shadows are merciless."
Azar didn't respond. But he felt something change within him. The voice returned, clearer this time:
"Would you like my help? I have a simple solution... just say yes."
The guard leaned over Azar, pressing his thumb to his chest. "You'll be nothing but fuel for the shadows. How pathetic."
Suddenly, something unexpected happened. The shadow clinging to the wall of the dungeon began to move. Not like a normal shadow, but like a living entity pulsating with energy.
"Finally. Time to play." The voice inside Azar said, as if the shadows had been waiting for that moment.
In less than a second, the shadow wrapped around the guard. The accompanying sound was like the scream of hundreds of souls. The guard screamed, trying to escape, but the shadows were like chains, binding every movement.
Azar felt power surge within him, but it was heavy, dark, as if it carried an unbearable weight.
The guard vanished. All that remained of him was a faint shadow that slowly faded away.
"Your power grows, but don't forget... everything has a price."
Azar gasped for air.
"What is this? Who are you?"
"I am your shadow, and I am your partner on this journey. But don't rejoice too much. Survival is not free."
The voice within Azar became sharper, stranger.
"The ritual has begun. If you want to survive, you must choose. Will you become a master of the shadows, or a slave to them?"
The dungeon began to tremble. The carvings on the walls glowed red. The sound of heavy footsteps echoed from afar.
"The choice is yours, Azar. Just remember... whatever you choose, there is no turning back."
Azar raised his head, his eyes filled with both defiance and fear.
"I will choose life... no matter the cost."